Welcome

Welcome to the second phase of Celazome’s Product Review Panel. In the first phase, panelists introduced themselves. As voting ended last week, panelists now introduce the charities they chose to represent. (The winner of the Product Review Panel will win the opportunity to donate $500 to their charity).

In no particular order, here are the panelists:

Michelle C.

Vote for Michelle C. by going to the poll in the right hand sidebar

Saralyn

It’s astonishing sometimes how little it takes to bring renewed hope to a person. $500 that is well used can make a huge difference in the life of an angry, troubled youth and a distressed family.  That’s what happens at my chosen charity – House of HOPE  -  what a great choice for a name.  There are so many parents and teens who have lost hope and do not see any way out of the despair and trouble they face every day.

I feel extraordinarily blessed to have been raised in a solid, unified family environment where I could grow to become a productive member of society. But that is simply not true of so many I know. There is no question that many families are in turmoil today – even so called “good” families!  Parents who love their children and are doing the best they can are often dealing with rebellious teens- teens dealing with issues and struggles their parents rarely faced.

House of Hope believes in the holistic approach to educating and raising our teens.  Through counseling, education, and spiritual guidance administered in a loving, home-style environment, efforts are made to heal the hurt of teen boys and girls, ages 13-17, as well as their family and where possible affect family reconciliation.

The ultimate goal is to prepare troubled teenagers to become productive members of society. Anything that negatively impacts society as a whole, impacts us as individuals.  What greater contribution could we make than to an organization focused on producing strong, productive families and members of society?

Right now, even though I know $500 is not a huge amount, I don’t have it to give by myself.  I hate to admit it but my time to volunteer is so limited. Traveling for business takes an enormous amount of time. This is one way I could give back to a deserving organization. By voting for House of Hope, you will be giving another troubled teen and family the chance for reconciliation and a future – one filled with even more than HOPE. One filled with substance and growth.

Vote for Saralyn by going to the poll in the right hand sidebar

Mary Jane

I am a kindergarten teacher. I just started my 33rd year. I have seen many changes during my teaching career. Budget cuts have hurt everyone but schools are really feeling the pain. I personally have taken a pay reduction this year, but I am lucky to have a job doing what I love.
I teach in rural South Carolina. My school is in the "high poverty" category. We have received no classroom funds for two years.

I first heard about DonorsChoose about 2 years ago.  You can read more about this wonderful organization at www.donorschoose.org. DonorsChoose allows teachers to write proposals for materials and supplies need for their classroom. The projects are screened, then posted on the DonorsChoose website. Individuals and corporations can make donations toward a project. Donors who give $1 are treated the same as donors who give large amounts.

I (and my students) have been fortunate to have several projects funded. We have received everything from paper, crayons, pencils and paint to new desks and chairs. I currently have two projects posted on the DonorsChoose site. You may view them here. http://www.donorschoose.org/mj.coward Several of my co-workers have projects posted also. If I should win the $500, the money would be spent funding projects at my school.

Thanks for reading and for voting.

Vote for Mary Jane by going to the poll in the right hand sidebar

Thanks to all of our panelists!

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